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If you are living in or near Dallas, Texas, there seems to be a tendency for hail damage to roofs. Hail damage caused by a storm cannot be spotted from the ground and even home inspectors sometimes miss damage to roofs because they have no formal training on how to identify hail damage properly. Your roof must be inspected properly by a person who has experience and training regarding a hail damage fix.

How to inspect the damage? The asphalt shingle is the primary form of roofing used in the U.S. In inspecting for damage, homeowners can start at their roof and look for tiny granules that are missing from the asphalt. If not fixed immediately, the damage will progress and shorten its lifespan and eventually, the roof will leak.

Below are signs that your roof has been damaged by hail:

* Metal air vents, siding and gutters are dented and damaged
* Small granules are visible at base of downspouts or in the gutters
* Affected shingles are softer to touch
* There are bald spots on the roofing shingle
* Bruising or dents on the asphalt shingle

Making a Hail Storm Roof Damage Insurance Claim:

Homeowners can file a claim with their insurance company for hail damage to roofs. First, they should check the insurance policy and be sure that you are covered. If you are covered by insurance, immediately call the insurance agent; they are the one to start the claim on the homeowner's behalf. The insurance agent is the one to ask the insurance adjuster to make a visit and inspect your roof for the necessity of a hail damage fix.

Local General Contractor:

A general contractor trained in roof repairs will be able to distinguish the difference between a tear, normal wear and hail damage to roofs from a hail storm. A good general contractor can also work with your insurance adjuster. Homeowners can have the contractor visit them first in order to verify the hail damage to the roof. Oftentimes, insurance adjusters work with the contractors to assure that they are both on the same page and to compare notes. They both want the work done right. The general contractor that you will hire must have no problem in meeting the insurance adjuster.

Fixing Your Own Roof:

Inspecting your roof after a hail storm is dangerous and should only be done if you have easy access to the roof and should not be performed without using safety equipment. Fixing your own roof is only possible if you have the proper training regarding fixing hail damage to roofs. It is recommended to contact a professional general contractor with experience in fixing hail damage. They know what's best to your roof and how to fix any damage you may have.